Well, I was going to put some images of cellulite on here, BUT we ALL know what "that" looks like.....so I refrained. But seriously...isn't it just depressing? As I age, I have gotten a lot better about accepting the fact that I no longer have the svelte figure of my twenties...and that's fine. But I'll be darned if I'm going to just stop fighting the good fight for my health and yes...relative appearance. Here are some natural ways to tackle cellulite, plus a few facts you may not have known!

UGH! Dreaded cellulite! And Spring is right around the corner---you know that beautiful time of year when we start showing a little more skin? Well, HERE are some great natural ways to combat unhealthy and unattractive cellulite! Most women deal with it to some extent, and aging doesn't help. Find out easy, inexpensive strategies to help get rid of it...or at least reduce its appearance significantly!

Some Facts about Cellulite

Cellulite is simply fat just under the surface of the skin that pushes against the connective tissue there, leaving that orange-peel, lumpy appearance. If you have darker skin, you are fortunate because cellulite is more noticeable on people with lighter skin.

Did you know that almost every woman has some cellulite? About 9 out of 10 of us, to be exact. I had no idea it was so prevalent, and I have promised to be kinder to myself now. I read this quote from a famous female move star, and I just love it: "If you don't like cellulite, you don't like women." I think it came from Amber Rose.

Cellulite is always caused by a loss of skin elasticity and decreased circulation. Your skin needs good blood flow to rejuvenate itself, and when things get sluggish, here comes more of that lumpy stuff!

Toxins in the body contribute way more to cellulite than we realize! From preservatives and chemicals in our foods, to the air we breathe, our entire body system relies on how well we can get rid of dangerous (and unpleasant) toxins.

Causes of cellulite include hormone changes, genetics, smoking, and lots of sitting. Sitting, especially, I have learned, creates problems because there is less blood flow in the area of your heiny---where many women need it the most!

Six Natural Ways YOU Can Fight Cellulite!

1. Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing is something I just discovered, and wish I had known about a long time ago! It's WONDERFUL! Dry skin brushing increases the circulation of the skin, stimulates skin cell turnover, exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin, and makes your skin feel amazingly soft. In addition to these wonders, dry skin brushing also improves the flow of lymph fluids in your body, which helps remove those yucky toxins that may contribute to cellulite.

You know what? It FEELS TERRIFIC! What a great way to wake up before that morning shower!

Here's how you dry brush your skin:

Firmly brush your skin, moving the brush toward your heart. I like to start at my calves and move upward, toward my torso. When I reach the chest area, I switch and brush my arms and downward on my chest and back area.

Then just take a shower! Not only do you get the lymph moving in your body, but your skin will be rosy and smooth! What's not to like?

Precautions: You may want to start with more gentle strokes until your skin gets used to it. My skin is a bit sensitive, so I started out on the light side.

Here is a picture of the brush I use. I got it from Whole Foods, and I love the long handle!

Here is my dry skin brush. It's a good one, and it didn't cost much either. I got mine at Whole Foods Market, but you can also find one HERE.

2. Scrub with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, plus they are very scrubby. The caffeine helps tighten and tone the skin surface temporarily, while the grounds exfoliate. Some people see good results with this method. I have not personally tried this (yet), but I will let you know how it goes when I do. I just don't like the thought of coffee grounds going into my septic tank. I'll figure that one out. Here is a cream with caffeine you may want to check out!

3. Cellulite Massage Oil with Essential Oils

There are some essential oils that work exceptionally well in helping to tone the skin and even break down fats. These include juniper, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, etc. These oils also help improve the all-important circulation in your legs and rear, too. Combinations of these essential oils have been clinically shown to improve skin elasticity and also help remove toxins through the skin. I have been using my cellulite massage oil for about a month, and I am beginning to notice more tone to the skin on my legs and rear. Besides all that goodness, it smells WONDERFUL!

Blending essential oils is easy! I like to make extra and store the blend away to make more massage oils later on.

How to Make Cellulite Fighting Essential Oil Blend

Like I've noted before in other posts, I like to use the traditional "part" method for measuring, even with my essential oils. I tend to use the 3 mL pipettes . A "part" may be drops, or a portion of the pipette dropper, depending on how much oil you want to blend, use, and store.

Here is my best essential oil blend for cellulite, and you can make it stronger or lighter, depending on your needs/desires:

Ingredients for Cellulite Massage Oil:

** 1 to 2 parts Juniper Essential Oil

** 2 parts Grapefruit Essential Oil

** 1 part Lemon Essential Oil

** 1 part Cedarwood Essential Oil

** 1 part Rosemary Essential Oil

** 1 part Patchouli Essential Oil

These essential oils are known for their ability to do any or all of these actions: 1) break down fat cells, 2) increase circulation, and 3) decrease inflammation.

(Starwest Botanicals carries excellent essential oils in a variety of sizes. You can also purchase therapeutic grade oils from doTerra! )

** You will also need a Carrier Oil such as Sweet Almond Oil (I am fond of this oil because it is highly emollient, soaking into your skin quickly.) You can use Fractionated Coconut Oil or Grapeseed Oil is good too. There are many many others as well.

Directions:

Gently swirl the essential oils together. Fill your container about 1/8 full of the essential oil blend, then combine with your carrier oil of choice. I like Sweet Almond Oil. I like to combine the Almond Oil with a bit of Jojoba Oil too. It's just great for your skin, and is perfect with the Almond Oil.

Where Do I Get My Essential Oils?

I use doTerra oils these days almost exclusively for making body products that will go on my skin. This is because everything in the product ends up being filtered into your body! My other best option for purchasing good essential oils is through Starwest Botanicals. They are not as expensive as doTerra oils, and they are still a very good quality.

I purchase my bulk carrier oils through Bulk Apothecary. I have done a lot of comparing, and for the quality and price, they seem to be the best price value. You can also purchase almond oil at great prices through Amazon. They are often available at good health markets, but they will cost a great deal more.

4. Add Some Spice!

The Cayenne increases circulation and also aids as an appetite depressant. The lemon helps flush out toxins and acts as a mild diuretic too.

Try adding Cayenne Pepper to a drink (like water or herbal tea) two or three times a day! For additional detoxification, add some lemon juice too! You can also just use it often in your cooking if you don't have others needing to eat the foods. My husband and I both love spice, so I toss it in many of our recipes!

You can purchase excellent quality Cayenne and other bulk spices from Starwest Botanicals! I buy most of my cooking spices there, in addition to the herbs I buy for plant medicines, because of the quality and great prices.

5. Herbal Teas

I am a big fan of herbal loose leaf teas, the fresher the better. I like these kinds of teas because you are getting the nutrients of the herbs, and with the proper combination of herbs, you can really support weight loss. I like to combine herbs that help with cleansing/detoxing (diuretics) with herbs that enhance and support energy (green tea and eleuthero) and others that help your circulation and heart.

You can buy excellent quality bulk herbs from Starwest Botanicals. They also carry many tea blends already created for you!

6. Finally, Exercise--

Blah-- I know, I know! And I fight with this one too! It's really hard to find the time when you work one (or two or more) jobs, have children, have...a LIFE! But it does absolutely help! There is nothing like a good sweat to get rid of junk from your body, help tone those muscles, and release feel-good endorphins!

The War On Cellulite----

Using natural methods to help combat cellulite takes consistency, effort, and some creativity. Some of these solutions are easier than others. I suggest picking two, three, or more to start and do them consistently over a period of 30 days and see what happens! Like me, you may be pleasantly surprised!

The biggest thing about taking measures to reduce cellulite is that in the process, you will be getting healthier!

Now to find a solution for knee wrinkles! ;-)

A NOTE on Food:

My husband and I have been doing the Whole30 (see the website at www.Whole30.com, and not an affiliate), and I have seen AMAZING results in the 2 1/2 weeks we have been on it. Please check it out, as I believe it is a great program for health. It's basically a strict Paleo program, but you will feel amazing after just a few days!

Have you tried any natural ways to combat cellulite or increase your circulation? I'd love to know!

Hugs & Self-Reliance!

Heidi

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the HHH Newsletter and get my FREE eBook, "How to Relax with Herbs"!

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and this means if you click through and make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! I appreciate your support of our blog and homestead!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and the ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this article are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a trained health professional. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. Consult your doctor before adopting the suggestions in this article or elsewhere in the website. I disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any of the information in this article or website.

Hi. I'm Heidi. I am a mid-life homesteader/teacher-turned-blogger! We live off-grid on less than an acre with lots of animals... READ MORE....

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